A Catalyst for Pakistan’s Economic Development: Evaluating CPEC’s Role in Pakistan’s Development

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), initiated in 2013 under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, aims to enhance connectivity between China and Pakistan through a comprehensive network of infrastructure projects. This study examines the transformative impact of CPEC on Pakistan’s economic landscape, focusing on energy, transport infrastructure, industrial, and agricultural cooperation. The analysis highlights significant improvements in Pakistan’s electricity generation capacity, transport connectivity, and industrial growth. Energy projects under CPEC have added approximately 9,740 MW to the national grid, mitigating chronic power shortages. Transport projects, including the expansion of the motorway network and the upgrade of railway lines, have enhanced domestic and regional trade efficiency. Industrial and agricultural cooperation has spurred growth in key sectors such as textiles, automobiles, and mobile phone manufacturing. Despite the benefits, the study also addresses challenges such as financial sustainability, security concerns, and environmental impacts. Policy recommendations are proposed to ensure the continued success and sustainability of CPEC, emphasizing the importance of financial management, security measures, environmental sustainability, policy consistency, and local participation. The future prospects of CPEC are promising, with potential to further drive Pakistan’s economic development and regional integration.